Hesitant shifting was noticed infrequently for a day or two. Then upon startup was unable to shift into reverse until accelerator was depressed very far. At that point transmission jarred into reverse and began backing, then tried to shift back into drive and upon driving forward a loud grinding was heard. Dealer investigated and says it will need full replacement of the transmission for $5500.

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

Made a complete stop at a stop sign and when I tried to accelerate, the car lost power and would rev less than 2000rpm. Pulled over to the side and shut engine off. Restarted the car and tried to accelerate, but car still wouldn't rev above 2000rpm. Since I didn't want to block a driveway, I attempted to put the car in reverse, but it didn't move. Had to tow my 2001 RX300 with only 56K miles to the dealership and replace my transmission.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

1) while driving on 101 freeway in los angeles on a 90 degree day the transmission would not engage. 2) the transmission failed and I was able to avoid a crash by exiting the freeway. 3) the auto dealer made a good will repair even though it was just out of warranty.

- Dana Point, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Lexus RX300. While driving 40 mph the vehicle would not accelerate when he depressed the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 138,000. Updated 08/14/07.

- Nottingham, MD, USA

2001 Lexus RX300. Multiple incidences of transmission fluid leaking until the transmission failed, requiring a full rebuild.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

After 101,000 miles the transmission on the 2001 Lexus RX300 simply went out. I could not go in reverse or drive. I parked in a stall at my son's preschool and after dropping him off, I put the car in reverse to back out. At first the card didn't move, then a quick jolt and a clanking noise and that was it. I have regularly serviced the car, and just cleaned the transmission not more that 2 months ago. That was the third transmission flush I had done since 2001. My father owns a repair shop so maintenance has always been kept up.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

Transmission whinning noise at start, and slipping once warmed up. Dealer says the transmission front pump needs replaced, quoted $4247 for Lexus remamufactured transmission replacement.

- Monroe, GA, USA

Transmission failed, symptoms were that it would not back up. Transmission locked and the car had to be dragged, wheels not turning onto a tow truck flat bed. Car had 90,000 service including change of transmission fluid and check less than 6,000 miles ago. It had also had its 60,000 service and all important services as well.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

My 2001 Lexus RX300's transmission failed. It has 80,000 miles and is dealer serviced. There were no problems with this car until the car suddenly wouldn't reverse. In drive the car would shift and stop abruptly. I was scared that I was going to get hit in the back by another car. Dealer wants $4800 to fix transmission and they claim it is a common problem for the car. My question was why it wasn't recalled then and I got no response.

- Hicksville, NY, USA

Lexus Rx 300 transmission began to fail.

- Houston, TX, USA

Transmission failure.

- Aptos, CA, USA

I had a transmission failure on my 2001 Lexus Rx 300 VIN [xxx] while driving. The car suddenly went into nuetral and slowed to a stop on the road putting myself and my family in danger. It's my understanding that this is a known issue and that complaints have already been filed. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

2001 Lexus Rx-300 transmission failed just before 84,000 miles, disabling vehicle on the highway. Warranty did not cover repair.

- Greer, SC, USA

Transmission went out on a busy interstate at night with myself, my husband and our 8 month old daughter. Had to get the highway patrol to follow us to an exit. This car had 98000 miles on it at the time and according to all my internet research this is a common, known defect with the Lexus RX300 that they refuse to address. Its a safety hazard. Lexus of course refused to do anything since it was out of warranty. Cost $3600 in repairs. Never had a transmission go out this early, actually never had one go out period on cars with many more miles.

- Easley, SC, USA

Premature transmission failure> replaced transmission Feb 06 still not shifting after 3 tries serviced the trans - miracle fix? May 06 dirty fluid reported by another shop. Lexus solution service again within 4,500 miles of the trans replacement. No further action taken.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

While driving at a slow speed the Lexus lurched forward, and then became inoperable. Transmission failed at 86,000 miles. The car was recently serviced for the transmission maintenance at 80,000 miles. Apparently this is a common early failure, and it should be recalled.

- Centerville, OH, USA